Project Detail

Rural economic development through bio diversity enhancement by Women Development Foundation

Establishment and strengthening of farmer organizations, resource survey of selected homesteads, set up rainwater harvesting methods, introduction of pitcher irrigation systems, composting, training in organic farming, bee keeping and strengthening of cottage industries.

The climatic conditions of the area are such that the villages are subject to protracted dry period extending for about 8 months. Farmers depend more on up-land farming due to village tanks running dry immediately after cessation of rainy period. This has brought about threatening levels of exploitation of these areas.

Benefits:
Scientific management of natural resources, improve bio diversity, land and water conservation, regular income generation.

Groups involved:
Farmers in the area, village groups.

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Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Women Development Foundation

Country:

Sri lanka

Area Of Work:

Land Degradation

Operational Phase:

Phase 2

Grant Amount:

US$ 9,452.58

Co-Financing Cash:

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 945.26

Project Number:

SRL/03/09

Start Date:

3/2003

End Date:

3/2005

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

Project Characteristics and Results

Gender Focus

85% Female and 15% Male participation

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

N/A

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

Public awareness will be raised on bio diversity and climate change issues

Capacity - Building Component

The beneficiaries of the project will find new avenues for self employment as a result of this project.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

The beneficiaries will have a regular income once their homesteads are methodically cultivated.

Notable Community Participation

The project works in two villages Walahawiddawewa and Rathmalgahawewa within the Horowpathana and Kahatagasdigiliya Divisional Secretary Divisions of Anuradhapura District in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka is an attempt to synthesize homestead management of 20 families, which had fallen into disuse due to changed rainfall patterns dried up water resources and ignorance of proper land utilization. 150 women will be trained to make environmentally friendly goods by using natural resources.

Project Results

1. 20 farmers directly involved with the project have taken up environment friendly cultivation methods on a permanent basis and 75% of the farmers of the 2 villages who were not associated with project have shown interest in these methods.
2. Nearly 200 women in the area are engaged in handicrafts, manufacturing bags mats and other fancy utility items of bio-friendly nature using, natural resources available in the area such as pun (sedges) and talipot leaves. Their per capita income is now increase & it is in the region of Rs.3,000/- per month.
and increasing numbers of women in the area use such handcrafted items.
3. Nearly 50 women associated with the project have planted varieties of trees in their homesteads on the principal of bio-diversity and are engaged in self-employment using fruits to prepare jams, chutneys, cordials etc. and making food preparations of yams and vegetables. Through them they earn nearly Rs. 1,500/- per month, further training to be provided later for marketing.
4.Two organizations of women have been formed. Members have supplied Kumbuk - Terminalia arjuna, Mee - Madhuca longifolia, and Kohomba - Margosa plants for planting in the watershed of the reservoir to be rehabilitated under another project.
5. A training center building 32'x19' is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 300,000/-
6. The project was supplied with 500 coconut seedlings from the Ministry of Plantations, while Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation has promised 500 grafted cashew plants at reduced rates.
7. The Central Province Development Ministry of the previous government donated a sedge (pun) weaving machine and accessories valued at Rs. 75,000/- for future activities.
8. Established of a plant nursery 10'x30' to meet project requirements.
9. The Mahaweli Development Ministry has assigned to NGO the planning and establishment of a Agro park in 5-acre block at Thalawa in Anuradhapura.
10. The Non Formal Education Unit in the Development of Education in North Central Province joined with NGO to implement various training sessions for the community.
11. A micro-finance system is planned for Rs. 200,000/- for the benefit of the 02 women's organizations.

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